Fire-damaged casino pavilion demolished

April 23, 2009

Wrecking crews today demolished what remained of the Empress Casino's pavilion, which was destroyed in a March fire.

The Joliet casino -- which was undergoing a $50 million renovation when the blaze struck -- has been closed since. It is expected to reopen in mid- to late June once work on a temporary entrance is completed, Empress General Manager Frank Quigley said.

A metal claw is moved into position to crush one of two Egyptian figures that sat at the entrance of the Empress Casino in Joliet as crews began demolition today. (Tribune/David Pierini) FOR A PHOTO GALLERY OF DEMOLITION AND THE FIRE, GO HERE.

The pavilion was Egyptian-themed and included two large pharoahs at the entrance. Though details for the new pavilion are still being worked out, Quigley said it will not include an Egyptian motif.

Casino officials are taking advantage of the opportunity to rebuild and are creating a new look -- and possibly a new name -- for the casino.

"When we rebuild the property, it will be re-themed to something different," Quigley said. "It's time for a new look and time for a change. ... It's probably a good idea to give the customers something fresh."

When the casino reopens, Quigley said it will still be called the Empress. However, when work is completed on the permanent structures, he said the name may change.

Fire officials say the March 20 fire was sparked by welders working on kitchen duct work. Though Empress officials have not released damage estimates, fire officials peg the damage at about $340 million.

Casino employees gathered Thursday morning in front of the charred remains to toast the old and celebrate what lies ahead.

Shortly after the blaze, Penn National Gaming, which runs the Empress, offered to pay employees salaries and benefits for 90 days -- which will end about the time the casino is projected to reopen.

Employees have been encouraged to volunteer during their time off work. Quigley said those efforts have netted some 2,000 hours of community service.

"We're proud of what we've been doing in the community," he said.

Though none of the pavilion remains will be reused in the new pavilion, Quigley said some items -- such as a mummy -- were saved and will be donated to the Joliet Area Historical Museum.